Wednesday, October 26, 2016

It came as a dreadful shock of the news of our young friar Agnelo Colaco from St. Anthony's Province Goa. He was working in our Mexico mission since one and half years. He was 40 years old and passed away early morning of 25th of October. Father Angelo was such a generous and loving friar that he would not say no to anyone anytime when asked of him. He was very generous with his time for the people. In his few years as a Capuchin priest he did marvellous work. He was good in Konkani preaching in Goa. I have known him to be a self-sacrificing young friar from the formation period.He was very much loved by his companions in the formation time and he was very friendly with all. I remember that every time i visited the formation houses in Karnataka where he finished his priestly studies would always come and wish me. He would smile and enquire about me and the province. The brothers like him because he was always ready to render a helping hand.After his ordination he was placed with Br. Nichalau in a farm house close to Mapusa where the Capuchins are working for last 10 years. He worked hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder in order to develop the farm. From there he would also go round for Masses and preaching.

I met him last in the month of November 2016 while conducting pastoral visitation of Goa Province. It happened just before he and Marcus left for Mexico as missionaries. Agnelo was very excited and enthusiastic to be a missionary in the land of Americas. He was well prepared mentally and spiritually. While sharing with me he said that he lost his parents very early in his childhood and he was brought up by his maternal aunty and uncle. He grew up under them. He worked hard in order study and fulfil the dreams of his adopted parents. I remember of having told him that he must learn Spanish well if he wants to do something for the people of Mexico. The last i heard about him from Br. Hugo, our general councilor for Latin America saying that two friars from Goa are doing well and they are well inserted into the Mexican reality and culture. And this morning we hear about his sudden death. We cannot forget Agnelo for what he was to the Order. He died of massive heart attack in Mexico.

The Provincial and Friars of Goa Province are mourning the death of a young friar.....It is not easy to accept the death....this is a second friar dying in Mexico from Goa. We assure our prayers for soul of Br, Agnelo and prayers and condolences to the entire province of Goa.....